FUKUSHIMA Prefecture, Japan -- Virginia Tech is tied for eighth place after shooting a 303 in the first round of the 2001 Topy Cup U.S.-Japan Intercollegiate Golf Championship at the .7050 yard, par 72 Tanagura Country Club in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

Senior Johnson Wagner (Garrison, N.Y.) leads the Hokies and is tied for 10th place overall after an opening round 72. Junior Chris McKeel (Wilson, N.C.) is tied for 31st place with a 75 and senior Brian Krusoe (Northfield, Oh.) is tied for 37th with a 76. Sophomore Ryan Stinnett (Amherst, Va.) is tied for 50th after an opening round 80.

The Hokies are playing the event with just four players, after junior Brendon de Jonge (Harare, Zimbabwe) had to remain in the United States after a complication with his passport and visa papers.

Defending champion Tohoku Fukushi leads the event with a first round 280. Nippon Sports Science University is second with a 283 and UAB is third with a 286. SMU is fourth with a 288 and Nihon University is fifth with a 291.

The second round will tee off Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. Japan time. The final round will be played Thursday morning.